WRAP UP {EDITION 2}

Welcome to our regular post where we wrap up what’s been going on in the World of Aussie Overlanders.

The past week in a word? Inspiring! Because of YOU!

Here’s a few of your words…

“I have goosebumps as I read through your website. And a few close tears as I write this. It’s so very wonderful and brave of you”

“Looks great mate. You just have inspired somebody already”

Launching the website has been a profound experience over the past week. Until now everything has existed in our heads. To put it OUT THERE and have such positive vibes come back our way has been really exciting. We would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to every individual who has shown their support. We’ve been supportedhere, here, featured on Africa-Overland-Networkand felt the love in our inbox. You guys, ROCK.

SHEDDING STUFF

Over the past 6 months we have been scaling back. Over the past week reality has set in that we have a hell of a lot more stuff we need loose. Isn’t it shocking how much ‘stuff’ you accumulate? We would like to think we have been living fairly minimally for the past few years. However, between Kirsty’s penchant for hoarding treasuring old keepsakes and Gareth’s love for garry good gear (quality gadgets), ‘stuff’ has snuck it’s way into our cupboards.

We don’t want to feel weighed down on the trip by the thought of having a bucket load of things in storage. So, we want to get rid of everything (mostly). We are giving away, selling and buying only that which really deserves a place in our lives. Along the way we remind ourselves happiness is about EXPERIENCES, not crap you put on a shelf.

Trip or no trip, I reckon it’s a valuable exercise to shed some stuff from your life. To spring clean your world. To walk a little lighter.

TROOPY IS IN FOR HIS NEW WIG – AS OF TODAY!

This morning we dropped of the Troopy for the installation of his new wig (a pop-top roof). More on that here.

While dropping him off into the Expedition Centre’s very capable hands we ran into Olly of OandL.com (who have just experienced 7 months driving Australia and are now waiting for their Defender to be shipped to Cape Town) and the full-of-info Lizzy Bus (who are in the 3rd year of driving throughout the World and shipping their vehicle to South America in a few days). We have our fingers crossed to run into Olly + Lisa again before they head off to Africa.

Once Troopy has his makeover we can then get cracking with the interior build. Check back here next week and we’ll post some progress pics! SO excited!

^^Troopy’s new hand crafted roof

^^ Meeting epic overlanders Lizzy Bus

^^Lizzy Bus has driven through West + East Africa; their story is told in hand made stickers that line the Defender

OPERATION: FEEL LIKE A LADY WHILE ON THE ROAD

So, one thing I (Kirsty) have been thinking about is how to keep looking & feeling like a lady while on the road and living out of a car for a year. I’m definitely not a prima donna when it comes to that kind of thing… HOWEVER like most chicks I have a (mini) inner princess that likes to feel clean and glowing. Particularly when traveling for long periods of time.

Well, yesterday a parcel turned up in the letterbox all the way from Western Australia that is geared to making OPERATION: FEEL LIKE A LADY WHILE ON THE ROARD a success. The parcel arrived from organic beauty hot spot Peachy Clean (highly recommended) full of Sodashi goodies.

ON THE ROAD – SIRROMET + BURLEIGH HEAD NATIONAL PARK IN QUEENSLAND

Last week we headed up to Queensland to share a family lunch at the stunning Sirromet winery in Mt Cotton. Feasting on organically grown fruit, veges and prawns/crayfish we poured back a few drinks while watching Kangaroos jump about outside amongst the vineyards. The head chef here is known to be obsessed with fresh produce, so much so he became a commercial fisherman for seven years to stock his own restaurants. #wowsers

TRAVELLER NOTES: Mt Cotton (home to Sirromet Winery) is about 30mins drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast

We then headed down the coast by ourselves to enjoy a little down time at Q1 Resort & Spa in the scantily clad Surfers Paradise. Although rain was predicted, Queensland busted out perfect blue sky, sunny days and we found our way to Burleigh Head National Park. We walked around the heads and gasped at the black rocks pitched against the aqua waters and chilled out with a swim. This little trip made us pause and imagine what it’s going to be like once we hit the road.

TRAVELLER NOTES: The National Park is within 15 minutes drive of Surfers Paradise. We highly reccomend it if you find yourself in that part of the World any time soon.

So, that’s us. How has your week been? How was your LONNNNNG weekend? Chilled? Did you hit the road?

Let us know in the comments below, join the conversation, we would love to hear from you.

SUPPORTERS

AS SEEN IN

RECENT POSTS

THE PLAN

MINI RIGS

YOUR WORDS

"Well, you got to us. After inspiring us to get out, buy the car and travel around Queensland last year, now we are looking into Cape Town to London. Have started pre-planning (by which I mean sitting here scratching our heads and wondering where the hell we start. Thanks for the blogs, and the inspiration" TAF + SUSAN, AUSTRALIA

"Inspired much? Well, let me just tell you that I’m sitting at my office desk having just caught up with the wrap ups….And I’m ready to chuck it all in, jump in the 4WD and go" NICOLE, AUSTRALIA

"One of the best things that has happen to my family and myself was meeting you both. We love hearing and seeing where you go and how you are just keep doing what you are doing guys" MIKE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

"This is totally and absolutely awesome! I am really excited and I’m not the one even doing it. Keep the updates coming guys" HELEN, DUSTY SOLES AUSTRALIA

"Your pre-trip blog is one of the best, so can't wait to read about your adventures" MARTIN, AFRICA OVERLAND NETWORK, AUSTRALIA

"Don't know you guys from a bar of soap, but just needed to say you BOTH impress the hell out of me! Very inspiring what you're doing! Love the photos, love all the little (& big) alterations, additions, customizations etc ... Keep them coming. Go well, the both of you!" ANDREW, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

"I’m so glad we met you two in Nepal and get to hear all about this journey.Will be following your blog and really look forward to soaking up the inspiration from your adventure. The vehicle looks like it will make a comfy cozy home. Good luck" DEANNA, CANADA

"Sounds like an awesome trek, stay safe and have a great time. Your blog is an inspiration for us all to get on and plan the next big adventure" DARREN, AWESOMEDUDE.COM

"When you get to Cape Town I want a coffee off that stove please…." + "South Africa is waiting for you and it’s in no rush….ever" CRAIG, SOUTH AFRICA

"Looking forward to following your travels. We’ve been up Africa as far as Tanzania but plan to do the whole route….one day. Keen to check out your Australian trip side too. Bon voyage" MAXINE, SOUTH AFRICA

"Love, love your kitchen! So supercool" + "Nicely written. Love the idea of pinning the master TO DO list to the wall. We have like ten different lists on the computer, which makes me frantically going from one to the other making sure we do not forget anything" ERICA, ON THE ROAD

"I feel like I discovered your blog just in time! I’ll definitely be following along on this adventure of yours. The Aussie section of the trip is something my husband and I are desperate to do. I’m really looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing your stories!" FIONA, LIFE IN BRIEF, AUSTRALIA

"Looking good guys. Things are falling into place" ADAM, AUSTRALIA

"Good luck! Really love your go-gettin’ attitude! Be good to see you on the road..." DIANA, UK

"I am following your preparations with big interest. We are from South Africa an plan to do the trip north after retirement in a few years time. When you get close to Cape Town make contact with us" PIETER + MARGRIET

"Looks incredible! Enjoy your adventures!! xxx" HAYLEY, AUSTRALIA

"Going to enjoy following your trip. One day we plan to do likewise from Ireland. Safe travels" KIWI 4X4, NEW ZEALAND

"Have just come across your page and can't wait to hear more about your adventures! Happy Travels" TRIPTIDE AUSTRALIA

"Having lived in Kenya for 16 years I long to head back and do a massive African road trip. You guys are living the dream - good for you! Look forward to following you on your travels!!" SIMON, TRAVELLER-AT-LARGE

"I wish I could do a similar trip. You guys are living the dream. No matter how exhausted you may get just keep on going. Never give cause for regrets. All the best" JOHNATHAN, AUSTRALIA

"The world is yours. Go get it!" KEN, AUSTRALIA

"Drive Safely. Explore Wildly" SAUERMAN, SYDNEY

"What you’re doing is really living. You’re about to have the time of your life." KATE, BRISBANE

"Reading your blog reminds me just how lucky we are to live in this great country, everyone should get out their and see it.
We look forward to reading more about your travels. Hope you have a great trip." MATTHEW, DIONNE, ETHAN + JADE